Programs

Pathways to Leadership: Level One Program

Realize your full potential in your career, in your personal and family relationships, and in your communities.

We welcome women with varying levels of English-speaking ability and immigration status.

Pathways women are supported to:

Integrate into the Canadian context
Set employment and life goals
Engage in civic leadership
Build upon hidden strengths, gifts and skills
Experience empowerment and community
Learn to recognize and negotiate systemic barriers

12-14 week program, one full day per week
Free for participants
In-person or hybrid
Free childcare provided onsite

Who This Program Is For

Pathways to Leadership is for women from diverse countries who are seeking to make their lives better. This program is right for you if you are a racialized, immigrant, refugee, and/or undocumented woman who is looking to be empowered in your life and career goals in Canada, with a community of support. This program is also open to non-binary or gender non-conforming folks who are comfortable in a space that centers the experiences of women.

“It gave me a way to think, it gave me confidence. The program helped me to improve my communication skills, my speaking skills, my public speaking skills. I learned to not be afraid. And now I have many more friends from different cultures.”

– Pathways Graduate

Unique Program Elements

Language Accessibility

All languages are validated and supported in our programs. Women can choose to speak in their first language in order to increase their comfort and participation. While the program is delivered in English, participants assist one another through a buddy system, use a phone app, or an interpreter. We found that focusing on increasing confidence first helps women be more motivated and supported in learning English as an additional language.

Community Building

We help women develop deeper connections with each other, their families, cultures, and ethnic identities. Participants build trust and mutual support by talking about the issues that matter to them (including the experience of migration and loss, family challenges, immigration status abuse, poverty, and trauma). Lasting friendships often extend beyond the program. We also encourage participants to develop civic engagement projects that connect them with their new communities.

Equity and Allyship

We take an intersectional approach, bringing awareness to the historical, political, and social structures that oppress marginalized women. We include education on the impacts of colonialization on Indigenous communities, and situate the participants’ experience of marginalization in relation to this context. In addition, the diverse experiences of participants help to create an understanding of different struggles and the value of allyship.

Strengths-Based Approach

Our strength-based approach is supported by a compassionate and non-judgmental facilitation style. Unlike other programs, we do not believe that racialized immigrant women need to adjust their aspirations to fit into the marginalized status quo. Instead, we help participants tap into their inherent strengths to challenge systemic barriers and develop meaningful life goals.

Person-Centered Learning

Each participant is encouraged to create the learning experience they need. They are individually supported to identify and develop their short and long-term goals. They practice public speaking and negotiation skills, research career and educational opportunities, and organize civic engagement projects. Taking risks at one’s own pace in a supportive environment helps to build confidence.

Time Effective

Pathways is only one day a week, unlike other integration programs which are often full-time. This allows participants to continue prioritizing other important aspects of their lives. We use the time wisely, connecting with participants in a deep and meaningful way.

“I thought it was going to be like the other programs I had taken. But it was different. It’s more up to you – you do homework, and you research, and you think about yourself, and you gain more.”